East Budleigh Reserves shared four goals in a match that did not go the distance, writes Mark Auton.

What proved to be a lively encounter at Railway Club, played in typical English weather conditions, was brought to a sudden end on the hour mark last Saturday when Budleigh full-back Max Tooby suffered a nasty injury dislocating his knee after clearing the ball, writes Mark Auton.

It was a cruel end to the season for a young player who has made a big impression and has also broken into the first team this year. The thoughts of everybody at the club wish Max a speedy recovery.

The first half an hour of the game belonged to Budleigh who were at it from the start; Matt Thomas and Aiden Martin were causing the hosts many problems upfront and it was the former who was denied by the off side flag when finishing off a Si Pearce free-kick.

Harry Trick saw his shot finger-tipped wide and Steve Davey nodded over when picking up a flick on from Steve Hitchcock, before Budleigh led in the 20th minute

Martin had a hand, but it was Thomas who exquisitely scored from the acutest of angles.

Ten minutes from the break Budleigh sloppily allowed the home side to level; Mark Bown parried the first effort, but was unable to prevent the rebound making it 1-1.

The goal gave them confidence and Bown came to Budleigh’s rescue again before the interval.

Darren Dawes came off the bench for the second period and was immediately in the action; Thomas sprayed the ball wide and it was the cross from Dawes that won Budleigh a corner.

From the set piece delivered by Pearce it was Jack Morgan who neatly headed Budleigh back in front.

A second leveller for Railway Club on 57 minutes was the last moment of note before the abrupt end.

This was to be Budleigh’s last fixture, but they will have to see how the league interprets the situation as 75 minutes normally have to be played for a result to stand.